The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-12-13
CORPORAL CRUPP.
BY wallace p. Reed.
Forsihe Constitution.

marshes, moaned through the pines and swept
the sandy stretch where the little settlement
OF Savannah was just beginning to pull itself
together.
The scene was not very attractive. A rude
but strong stoeSade containing q number of
shops and houses, the headquarters and bar
racks of the military and few outlying cabins
OF tile more adventurous pioneers-this was
all.
In comfortable room in the most preten-
tious building i'll the stockade, the headquar-
tiers of the commanding general, three gentle
men sat by blazing wood fire. They were
drinking Madeira, and their rubicund visages
showed that they were not unaccustomed to
this and even stronger beverages.
One of the three wore o scarlet uniform,
glitteripg with a profuse emblazonry of gold
lace, but his large spare figure indicated great
strength, and his face with its prominent
Roman nose and brilliant eyes would have
stamped the man in any circle as a remarkable
person, a born leader of men,
This man, the central figure Of the group
was General Ogethorpe.
The other two, dressed also III scarlet uni
forms, were brother officers. One was Major
Daihousie, the other was Captain Cardigan.
TREY were young men, but their apearanpce
showed them TO be gallant soldiers, well suited
to the business in which their general kept
them engaged night and day.
The three officers had something more ser-
GUS on hand than the discussion of their Ma
deira.
"The fellow will have to be shot, then" re-
marked Major Dalhousie airly, as he swallow
ed another bumper.
II am afraid So" replied Captain Cardigan,
adjusting his rufiles "but it is pity. Corpo-
1.ol TO- eol.l 81, I
But he can fight"
"Zoundsl" exclaimed the general, "much
do / deplore such a necessity, gentlemen, but
discipline is more important in these savage
wilds than it is in Europe. Hero warfare is
nothing but butchery, and we need every man
in our small force. Now, when 1 was cam
paigIing on the continent" continued the
general, as he paused to drain another glass,
"a little drunkenness, more on less, did not
matter j myself once refused TO take
French officer prisoner because he was so be-
cf,ttaied eset he Ealsi oar lines. A splendid,
fellow he. was, too. Once our commands were
fronting each other just as the fight opened,
and the Irenehman, taking off his hat, said
Gentlemen, will you have the goodness to fire
first!"
'rhat was grand" cried Major Dalhousie.
cit was" answered the general sententious-
ly, "but it was not war. 1t was an attempt to
apply the tactics of the ball room to the battle
field. Well. my bull dogs accepted the invita-
ton, and in less than five minutes we had
driven the MonsieuIs out of sight,
"But,'' said Major Dalhouse, "we are leav-
ing the subject Must the corporal be shot ?"
"To a certainty murmurcd Captain Cardi-
gan, who had spilled his wine, and was peer
ing into his right boot under the impression
that something was wrong somewhere.
LET us see" said the general, "you have
had the varlet in the guardhouse?"
"a hundred times" replied the captain.
'"Damme if l think he has ever lief: it," re-
piled the major.
"And yet he fghts?"
Like devil" exclaimed both officers
"He saved us from a surprise month ago."
put in the major.
sit is serious case" said the general. "The
trustees of our infant colony are determined
to prohibit the drinking of rum, and all that is
brought here has to be STAYED"
"Blood and DEATH interrupted the major,
chow does the fellow get his tipple?'
"Tremenshus mishtery to me" said the cap
tain, who had just lost another glass of Made
ira, and was glazing at the water pitcher very
suspiciously.
81 think" suggested the general, chat /
vii have the corporal brought here. / desire
to question him"
AS the officers made no objection, a messen-
ger was sent to the guardhouse, and in few
moments the offender came in, escorted by
guard.
Corporal CrGpp looked little tho worse for
wear and his face wore a surly expression, but
he did not appear to be vicious. lie faced the
three officers quietly and waited for them to
speak.
Corporal, we have lost all patience with
YOU" said General Oglethorpe sternly.
81 am not surprised" was the sad reply,
"and / am ready to stand the consequences"
you fell asleep while drunk on your post
at is true" admitted the soldier.
"Yesh, corp'l, and youll have to be shot"
interposed Captain Cardigan.
81 have no objection" answered the cor
poral stolidly.
"See here, corporal" said the general Sc
verely, "You are a man of intelligence. You
know all about the prohibitory order OF the
trustees. Now why is it that you will SNUG
gle rum, and drink t?"
For a moment the corporal was silent. Then
he Strengthened himself to his full height and
pointed 10 the table and the half filled
glasses
There" he said, in q steady ringing voice,
"there is the explanation. You place your
selves above the law. DO you not see that
others will be tempted TO do the same? When
Corporal Crupp breasts the cold and wet and
sees his superior officers enjoying their wine,
don't you think that he feels driven by some
demon TO go and follow their example? Like
MASTER like man, you know"
"Impudent knaYeH' yelled the major.
"Gad! If lac was a gentleman, I'd call
him out, !" said the captain
The commander rose frora his chair and
walked the room.
Then he faced the culprit, and said
an your coarse, blunt way, corporal you
have taught me a lesson. / don't know that
it is possible TO save you, but you shall have
another chance"
He summoned a servant
"GO and empty every drop Of wine and
spirits IN the bouse'' lfs ordered.
The officers jumped from their seats in sur
prize.
~ mean it =" said the general ",There will
be no more tipping among her ma!esty's Off